Classrooms utilized by evacuees displaced by the eruption of Mount Kanlaon in Negros Island since December 2024 have been used again by learners on the opening of classes for School Year 2025-2026.

“Primarily, gagamitin iyan for the opening of classes ang mga classroom na kung saan sila nag-stay,” said Remuel Lajo, project development officer.

While there were evacuees allowed to return to their homes located outside of the six-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ), there are at least 4,000 individuals who have continued to seek temporary shelter at schools turned evacuation centers.

They were moved to the Junior and Senior High School buildings at the La Castellana National High School in Negros Occidental.

Classes for these levels are not reportedly affected because the buildings are not in use yet, as of posting time.

In case, evacuees exceed the number of occupants for each classroom, they will be taken to the municipal evacuation center at Colegio de la Castellana gymnasium.

Aside from this, emergency shelter tents have already been pitched.

However, evacuees could not help from complaining, as they would rather go home to their respective residences.

“Gusto na namin na makauwi sa aming lugar. Marami nang namatay sa evacuation, walang sakit sa bahay, dito lumala ang stroke,” Rassel Valenzuela, an evacuee argued.

“Inilipat kami dito. Kung ililipat kami, sana lahat na lang kami. Para ang hirap, isa na lang din. Ngayong nagbukas na ang klase, wala na'ng income,” another evacuee, identified only as a certain Thelma, said.